"in the ground": Jareth Marlow reconciles with heartache in genre-spanning debut album.

A breakup is never pretty. There's a plethora of music out there centered on the agony after it happens, but there's something heart-stirring in Jareth Marlow's in the ground. Whether it's the lyrical candor or the soulful timbre highlighting the untangled, messy aspects of it, the singer-songwriter excels at evoking the all too familiar sentiments of desperation and sorrow, not without leaving seeds of hope and recuperation for those listening with broken hearts.

in the ground is clearly a watershed moment for the American creative: after releasing warmly received singles the past couple of years, Jareth's work has gained widespread traction and following, a testimony to his talent and commitment. Being a devoted scholar learning the ins and outs of music for most of his life, deserved limelight came in the form of online virality from his version of "drivers license" by Olivia Rodrigo (which surpassed eight million views across different social media).

Undertaking this meticulous project, the tunesmith not only sticks to the roots that granted him success, but also takes a bold step in dabbling with other styles. Heartbreak Blues acts as the very foundation— after a painful healing from a toxic relationship, the crooner is eager to extend an olive branch to his ex in the folksy and intimate "getting clean" ("I think I know how it feels to be an addict//You're like a drug that I need but I can't have it"). Impassioned voice waltzes alongside the soothing sway in "slow motion," a smooth RnB ballad that brims with longing. Alternating the mood expertly, "if i wanted you less" arrives as a rhythmic pop-rock experience (reminding us of music from the likes of Troye Sivan)— displaying Jareth's expertise in crafting radio-ready hooks without sacrificing emotive songwriting. 

Heartfelt moments are abundantly scattered in songs following thereafter: "come and go" is a bluesy tune, the fragile rendition seeking solace in bittersweet memories, consoled by the subtle, fingerpicked guitars ("Down memory lane, relive the night we went out...looking for pleasures underneath all the pain"). The vocalist openly confesses his mixed feelings on "happy for you" in the company of a glimmering piano sparsely struck; yet upon the driven melodic rock beat of "fall apart anyway," he despairingly claims this love would never nurture again.

The conclusion is served with two special performances. A breezy and mellow Country track, the titular song is played in an upbeat cadence, preceded by melancholic singing. Before departing, "haunt me" is another ear-candy tune, creatively worded with hints of supernatural in the lyricism ("You're a ghost now//I'm still looking for you”)— the energizing round of drums carries the lively vocals, keenly determined to rekindle lost love.

Stream in the ground on Spotify and YouTube, and stay tuned with Jareth Marlow through his website and Instagram.